Santa Margarita Junior Varsity Player in a Coma

Darren Wedertz, a junior at Santa Margarita High School, was in a coma Tuesday after suffering a head injury during a junior varsity football game Friday, Msgr. Michael Harris, the school’s principal, said.

Wedertz was listed in serious but stable condition at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, according to Harris. Doctors were not releasing any other information, at the family’s request.

“(An incident likes this) shakes everyone up, particularly students. It’s the nature of teen-agers to have an air of indestructibility,� Harris said. “When something like this happens, it makes everyone realize they’re all human beings.�

Wedertz was injured making a tackle in a game against Newport Harbor. According to Harris, Wedertz returned to the huddle, then felt ill and lost consciousness.